Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-02-25
OutWitted.

Night had settled down over the little
town of Hard Pan. The moon had scared
high in the sky, and brightly illumined the
unpaved streets, deserted save by knots of
miners and occasional struggling citizens.
Most of the Hard Panites had assem-.
bled in the Gold Dust saloon, which also
served as hotel and postot6ce. Here they
sat nightly, "exchangin' lles," Us on old
hunter tersely expressed it.
and the crowd poured out to greet the new
arrival, whoever he might be.
1t proved to be q man, mounted on a
mustang which had suddenly gone lame,
Indeed, the animal was in a wretched
plight, being hardly able to keep on its
feet, let alone carrying its master.
The man himself was q study. He was
about forty years of age, with keen but
kindly expression of countenance, and
rather portly form. His clothes were of
fine material and fashionable cut, though
rather dusty from a hard days ride, and
his boots were patent feathers. He wore
Pan, and on its glistening bosom flashed
magnificent cluster Of diamonds. Dia.
monds also cleaned on his fingers and
cuffs, and o heavy gold chain lay across
his vest.
"Hello, stranger!" cried Sile Ferris, pro.
prieto1 of the establishment. Reckon
you'll stop and put up for the night, eh?"
The stranger hesitated. "The fact is,
landlord, my horse has suddenly gone
lame. and I find he is unable to proceed
further. l will reward you literally if You
will keep him a few days until I call for
him."
Certainly, certainly" assured the land
lord, busting down the broad steps. "Walk
irci1a cf,.o,,ror aud MO will rronool 10
make you comfortable!"
"Well, no., thanks" said the stranger,
%suavely. "Im obliged to be at Grizzly
City tonight, on business, and if some Of
you gentlemen will kindly tell me the dis
lance 1 think / can foot it the rest of the
way!"
dts just ten miles to Grizzly" said Fer
ris, reluctantly, sorry to lose a guest.
Reckon you'll get there before the moon
sets if you step lively"
Thanks. Goodnight, gentlemen!" and
with an easy gait the man disappeared on
the road to Grizzly City, while the citizens
of Hard-Pan went back to the bar-room to
discuss the stranger and his singular ap-
pearance.
Two of them, however, hard characters.
| who had been in many a border broil, stole
away among the shadows, unseen by their
companions.
He's a rich haul, a regular tenderfoot!"
muttered one. Il allow them diamonds
| will put us beyond want for the rest Of our
lives, eh, Bill?"
His companion gave al affirmative grunt,
and the two FASTENED forward Us speedily
as possible, making a wide detour through
the woods in order to intercept the stranger
before he could reach Grizzly City.
Presently they paused in the dense shade
| of 81 clumn of treas and uoifa6 with ra.
voivers cooked and ready for use at an in
stants warming. From their position they
commanded a view Of a wide stretch of the
moonlit stage-road on which they expected
to see the t1aveler appear at any moment.
SO intent were they on their murderous
purpose that they were taken wholly by
surprise by the sharp click! click! of re-
volvers close to their ears, and looking up
in CONSERVATION, beheld the object of their
search confronting them. His dark eyes
cleaned wickedIy, and in his hands were
two cooked revolvers which he aimed at
their heads.
"Boys," he said, in a soft, persuasive
tone, Il would suggest that you make 8
pile OF your weapons, ammunition, and
jewelry. You may also add any stray cash
which you happen to have about your ap-
parel!"
Cowed and beaten under the gaze of the
strangers weapons. the men "shelled out.
Now skip" said the man in broadcloth
nodding toward Hard Pan, and the men
needed no second invitation.
"a pretty good haul" murmured the
stranger, complacently, as he counted the
pile" "~Fivehundred in cash, besides
watches, revolvers, ETC., worth half as
much more! This new game of mine
works like a charm! Wonder where I can
borrow another lame horse with which 10
work Grizzly City," and leading Il spirited
animal from a %neighboring thicket, where
it had been placed in readiness several
hours before, he mounted and rode away
down the deserted stage-road.
MAUD-"Oh, I just dote on palmistry!